Sena raises tigress killing issue in cabinet meet

The issue of tigress Avni's killing figured in the Maharashtra cabinet meeting on Tuesday with senior Shiv Sena leader and Environment Minister Ramdas Kadam seeking a judicial inquiry into the case.

Senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader and Forest Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar, however, said he was not aware of the issue being discussed during the meeting.

Talking to reporters after the weekly cabinet meeting, Kadam said he raised the issue of the tigress' killing and demanded a judicial probe.

When contacted, Mungantiwar said, "When I came for the meeting, nobody spoke about it. I am not aware if the issue was raised in my absence."

Another senior Shiv Sena leader and Industries Minister Subhash Desai said, "Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis informed the cabinet that the authorities concerned have beendirected to expedite tracing tigress Avni's cubs. He also said the inquiry into the tigress' death would be conducted fairly."

Desai added that his party has sought a judicial probe into Avni's death. -- PTI